Toward Climate Change Mitigation: Restoration of the Indonesian Peat Swamp

Abstract

AbstractIndonesia created a breakthrough in peatland management by establishing the Peatland Restoration Agency in early 2016 with the aim of restoring 2.67 million ha of degraded peatlands. This effort is intended to accelerate the recovery of peatlands and return of its hydrological functions after extensive damage by fire, drainage canals, and other external factors. This paper highlights the potential biomass and carbon resources in various land-use covers located in the Riau Biosphere Reserve. It discusses the results of restoration experiments conducted in severely degraded peatlands, and estimates carbon emission reductions in targeted priority areas. The total estimated emission reduction in natural forests was higher than in logged-over forests and disturbed forests: 207.36 CO2 Mg h−1, 161.48 CO2 Mg h−1, and 65.87 CO2 Mg h−1, respectively. The restoration of 2.3 million ha of targeted peatland ecosystems was estimated to have reduced carbon emissions by 98.77–153.53 Mt CO2e. The value of carbon from peatlands is considered important for maintaining ecological function while optimizing economic benefits. We have confirmed that above ground carbon storage can be restored even in severely degraded peatlands. Avoiding vegetation loss is an important aspect of restoration activity, but recovery of vegetation in degraded areas depends on below-ground carbon stocks, as these are indicative of fertile soils in various kinds of land cover and use.